As Bayer Leverkusen prepares to host Union Berlin in the Bundesliga on Saturday, both teams are eager to improve their position in the league. This clash holds significant weight, given the rocky starts both sides have experienced this season. Leverkusen, known as Die Werkself, aims to secure their third victory, while Union Berlin, also called Die Eisernen, is desperate to end their winless streak against Leverkusen.
Bayer Leverkusen’s Season Overview
Bayer Leverkusen has faced challenges this season, compounded by the departure of manager Xabi Alonso and several key players during the summer transfer window. After a shaky start under Erik ten Hag, who was sacked after just three matches, Denmark’s Kasper Hjulmand has taken charge. Under Hjulmand, Leverkusen has managed two wins and three draws in their last five matches, including a draw against PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League.
Defensive Struggles
Despite some positive results, Leverkusen’s defense has been a concern. The team has conceded goals in their last seven competitive matches, which Hjulmand must address to improve their performance going forward.
Union Berlin’s Challenges
Union Berlin has also encountered difficulties this season, particularly in defense. They have conceded more goals than all but four other clubs in the Bundesliga. Recent matches have seen them allow three goals against Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt, and four against Hoffenheim, before finally keeping a clean sheet in a goalless draw with Hamburger SV.
Recent Meeting Histories
- Union Berlin has not won against Bayer Leverkusen in their last nine encounters.
- In their last four meetings, Union has lost three times.
- Union has scored only once against Bayer in their six previous matches.
Despite these historical challenges, Union Berlin will be optimistic about breaking this trend, especially given Leverkusen’s own defensive issues.
Team News and Injuries
Bayer Leverkusen will be missing key players for this match. Star striker Patrik Schick is sidelined with a fascia injury and will be unavailable throughout October. Exequiel Palacios is also out due to a muscle tendon issue. Additionally, Martin Terrier continues to recover from an Achilles tendon injury.
Union Berlin will enter the match without Turkish forward Livan Burcu, who is still recovering from an ankle injury. Danish forward Robert Skov is also a doubt, having missed the last two matches.
Potential Lineups
| Bayer Leverkusen | Union Berlin |
|---|---|
| Flekken | Ronnow |
| Quansah, Bade, Tapsoba | Doekhi, Querfeld, Leite |
| Vazquez, Andrich, Garcia, Grimaldo | Trimmel, Khedira, Haberer, Kohn |
| Tillman, Ben Seghir | Burke, Ilic, Ansah |
Match Prediction
Taking into account the current form of both teams, Bayer Leverkusen is favored to win this match with a predicted score of 2-1 over Union Berlin. Although Leverkusen has faced difficulties, they have shown resilience under new management. Conversely, Union will need to overcome their historical struggles against Leverkusen to secure a much-needed victory.
